13 Day Tour from Dallas to New Orleans

Vacation Overview

With its large size and diversity, Texas locals say, “Texas, it’s like a whole other country.” On this tour through the Lone Star State you’ll discover its major cities—Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—and some of its historical landmarks, museums, and must-see sights before crossing into Louisiana for time in Lafayette and New Orleans. Tour highlights include a behind-the-scenes tram tour of the Johnson Space Center, home to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Witness engineers, scientists, and astronauts as they shape the future of space exploration. Visit Southfork Ranch, the renowned filming location of the Dallas television series, and the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Take a barge tour on the San Antonio River Walk and a boat cruise through Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin. History buffs will be fascinated at the Sixth Floor Museum, the location from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot President John F. Kennedy. At the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park and Texas White House, hear the story of Johnson’s life. Also visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” Of course, no history buff can leave Texas without visiting the Alamo, where you’ll have a private guided tour. All this and more await on your tour through Texas—the Lone Star State.

Guides:

Local Guides for city sightseeing in San Antonio and New Orleans; services of a professional Tour Director.

NOTES:

Choose to travel on departures September 30 or October 14 and be in Dallas for the annual Texas State Fair. Held in the same historic Fair Park since 1886, this is the largest state fair in the United States.

Travel on departure April 1 and be in New Orleans for the largest free music festival in the South. The streets come alive with more than 150 musical performances on stages throughout the French Quarter.

Day 1Dallas

Welcome to Dallas! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2Dallas

Today is dedicated to the sights of Dallas, beginning with a visit to legendary SOUTHFORK RANCH, the internationally renowned filming location of the Dallas television series. Tour the famed Ewing Mansion, featuring an exciting array of memorabilia. See the gun that shot J.R., Lucy’s wedding dress, the “Dallas” family tree, and Jock’s Lincoln Continental. In the afternoon, return to Dallas for included city sightseeing that features Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market; the Historic West End; and Dealy Plaza, where history buffs can learn all about this moment in history at the SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM, the location from which the alleged killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, fired the lethal shots on 22 November, 1963, that killed President John F. Kennedy. (CB)

Day 3Dallas–Fort Worth

This morning, journey to Fort Worth, a Texas city famous for its unmistakable combination of “cowboys and culture.” Visit the Stockyards National Historic District to enjoy a “Stockyards Experience” by seeing the SPIRIT OF THE WEST movie. Afterward, meet the drivers/cowboys of the Fort Worth Herd and see a Longhorn cattle drive before visiting the TEXAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME. It’s here that the museum pays tribute to over 70 cowboys and cowgirls who have excelled in the sport of rodeo, and Western lifestyle. Overnight in Fort Worth. (CB)

Day 4Fort Worth–Austin

Listen closely and you’ll hear the sounds that make Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.” From blues and indie rock to country, jazz, and more, Austin’s nearly 200 live music venues will surely grab your attention. Upon arrival, visit the BOB BULLOCK STATE HISTORY MUSEUM that tells the “Story of Texas.” Afterward, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that features Austin’s historic downtown, including historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor’s Mansion, and the University of Texas. (B)

Day 5Austin–San Antonio

Today we make our way to the most visited city in Texas—San Antonio. From the stones of the Alamo to the meandering paths of the historic River Walk, San Antonio takes you on a journey through a land as grand as its reputation. Upon arrival, sightseeing with a Local Guide shows all the must-see sights. Enjoy a guided tour of SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL, the oldest cathedral in the United States. This evening, enjoy a private guided tour of the ALAMO, one of five Spanish colonial missions. Walk the lines drawn for independence—it was here that a small band of Texans held out for 13 days against the Mexican army. Although the Alamo fell, the phrase “Remember the Alamo!” has come to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty. (CB)

Day 6San Antonio

Today begins with a private, narrated BARGE TOUR on the San Antonio River Walk. Afterward, experience El Mercado, the downtown’s authentic Mexican marketplace. Interact with working artists or sample local cuisine at family-owned restaurants in the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande. End the day back at San Antonio’s River Walk. (CB)

Day 7San Antonio. Excursion To Fredericksburg

A short drive from San Antonio is the LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK. Hear the story of the 36th President, from his ancestors to his final resting place, at his beloved LBJ Ranch in Texas Hill Country. Visit the TEXAS WHITE HOUSE, including the President’s Office, living room, dining room, den, and yellow sitting room, restored to their 1963-1968 appearance. Next, visit one of the largest working WILDFLOWER FARMS in the U.S. Enjoy a WINE TASTING before returning to San Antonio. (CB)

Day 8San Antonio–Houston

Houston is a city of firsts—home to the first successful human heart transplant, America’s first public television station, and the first word spoken on the Moon. Gain an appreciation for Houston’s rich history on a sightseeing tour of America’s fourth-largest city that includes the Theatre District that is second only to New York City. You’ll marvel at the world-famous Texas Medical Center, whose 675 acres and 42 nonprofit institutions make it the largest medical complex in the world. Enjoy a world-class view from the highest sky lobby in Texas from the 60th floor of the JP Morgan Chase Tower. Last but not least is a visit to Downtown Houston’s Tunnel System that takes you 20 feet underground to stroll through an interconnected series of restaurants, shops, and world-class architecture. (CB)

Day 9Houston

A special highlight today is a visit to Johnson Space Center, home of NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Take a look behind the scenes on a guided tram tour of JOHNSON SPACE CENTER. Be a part of history in the making as you witness engineers, scientists, and astronauts shaping the future of space exploration. With this behind-the-scenes journey, you will also visit the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center, and Saturn V Rocket, the most powerful moon rocket ever built and one of only three moon rockets remaining in the world. (CB)NOTE:The buildings visited on the tram tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to closure without notice.

Day 10Houston–Lafayette

A beautiful drive past fertile prairies, delicate marshes, and abundant wildlife takes you to Lafayette, Louisiana. Board your boat for a CRUISE through the winding, swampy waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin. Afterward, enjoy a visit to AVERY ISLAND. Surrounded by swamps and marshes, the island is home of world-famous Tabasco Sauce. Tour the Visitor Center and learn how peppers are grown, harvested, and turned into sauce. (CB)

Day 11Lafayette–New Orleans

This morning begins with a guided visit to the HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION & GARDENS. History is reflected in the many antique furnishings and works of art that grace the home. In 1963, the defining Bette Davis film, Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte, was shot on the property. We continue our journey across Bayou Country into New Orleans, the capital of Dixieland and the “City Care Forgot.” Upon arrival, a guided sightseeing tour focuses on the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring French Quarter landmarks: St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. Evening is at leisure. (B)

Day 12New Orleans

A full day at leisure. Stroll through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History lovers can roam through sprawling Victorian mansions and famous museums, catching a glimpse of life the way it was in the Old South. Tonight you might like to experience the city’s beauty and romance on a 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter on New Orleans’ only steamboat.

Day 13New Orleans

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to New Orleans International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation in New Orleans with extra nights and a variety of exciting optional activities.

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

CLINTON DUNN

Years of Experience: 23 years

After graduating from Fordham University, I lived in New York City until I inherited a small inn that my grandmother had owned in my hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida. I became immersed in restoring and running it, but after working 24 hour days for 10 years, I was ready for a change. I told a friend I wanted a job where I could travel. He said, "You should do what my ex-wife is doing. She's a Tour Director." That began my wonderful new career that is now in its 21st year.